A vegetable soup is a comforting, healthy, and versatile dish that you can make with a variety of fresh vegetables. It’s easy to customize based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry. Here’s a simple and delicious vegetable soup recipe to enjoy:
Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional, for heartiness)
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup leafy greens like spinach or kale (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten the flavor)
Directions:
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the root vegetables:
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes (if using) to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes to lightly soften the vegetables and build flavor.
- Add the remaining vegetables and broth:
- Stir in the zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Finish with greens and peas:
- Add the frozen peas and leafy greens (spinach or kale) in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, stirring them into the soup until they’re heated through and wilted.
- Optional finishing touch:
- Stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the soup and add a little zing.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Customize the vegetables: You can add or swap in vegetables like bell peppers, parsnips, corn, or even sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of soy sauce while cooking the vegetables to deepen the flavor.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier version, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot.
- Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for different flavor profiles.
This vegetable soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or as a way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge. Enjoy!